Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram
The baby直播 has named Shannon Chandler vice president for Institutional Advancement, which includes the Office of Alumni Affairs, the Office of Development, and aligns with fundraising efforts with the UWA Foundation.
Chandler brings 18 years of experience at Shelton State Community College, including the last 11 years as director of development. 聽A 2008 UWA alumna, earning聽a master鈥檚 degree in continuing education from the University, she also holds a bachelor of science in communication from the University of baby直播 and an associate degree from Wallace State Community College.聽
At the helm of Shelton State鈥檚 fundraising efforts, Chandler designed and implemented a comprehensive development plan that secured more than $7.4 million in external funding for scholarships and other support initiatives. She also generated more than $2 million in additional funding through creative engagement strategies and increased corporate partnerships by 75 percent, while managing daily operations and overseeing balanced budgets for the development office.
“Ms. Chandler鈥檚 proven record of designing and executing high-impact fundraising and engagement strategies, combined with her deep commitment to the region we serve, positions us powerfully as we launch our new 10-year strategic plan and build the necessary support to bring its bold initiatives to life,” said UWA President Dr. Todd G. Fritch.
Prior to serving as director of development at Shelton State, Chandler spent seven years as coordinator of community education at the college. In that role, she directed Kid鈥檚 Kollege, developed and launched a remedial education summer program, and led numerous youth enrichment and community outreach initiatives.
Chandler has also demonstrated leadership and relationship building on both statewide and national stages. After being crowned Miss baby直播 in 2004, she represented the state nationally and later served as a public speaking ambassador for Miss baby直播 Pageant, Inc.鈥檚 home office in Birmingham. In that capacity, she cultivated high-level relationships with state leaders, corporate partners, and nonprofit organizations; hosted and directed more than 250 fundraising and corporate partnership events; and supported nearly 500 organizational events to ensure their visibility and success.
“It鈥檚 a privilege to serve UWA and give back to a place that has given me so much,鈥� Chandler said. 鈥淚 am deeply grateful for the foundation this University has provided in my own life, and I look forward to bringing my background in relationship-building and strategic fundraising to support our mission.鈥�
鈥淲orking alongside our faculty, alumni, and community partners, I am eager to support initiatives that align with our priorities and strengthen our funding opportunities,鈥� she added. 鈥淏y extending the University鈥檚 reach across West baby直播 and beyond, we can create lasting opportunities for our students and help our region thrive for generations to come.”